With Corey and Vasudha sitting impatiently on the sofa, you turn your suitcase inside out until you finally locate the sock balled up in one of your shirts.
"Finally," says Vasudha as you slip on your Nike's and head for the door.
"Should we take our phones?" you ask the group.
"Nah," says Corey opening the front door. "They'll just get sand jammed up in them again."
"Besides, there's like zero reception," says Vasudha.
The warm sun welcomes you as you exit the house. The three of you descend the stairs and set off toward the adjacent jungle trail. You feel the loose dirt beneath your cushioned feet and remind yourself no one will be around to judge your footwear. "So how far is this secret beach?"
"Not far," says Corey, fearlessly leading the way.
You and Vasudha shrug and follow, with you pulling up the rear.
It isn't long before the trail begins to thicken. Corey hacks away leaves and branches with his arms while you and Vasudha try not to get caught in the recoil. "Is it much further?" Vasudha asks.
"Shouldn't be," says Corey, still optimistic.
Your tankini gets caught on a twig and you pause a moment to unhook it without creating a tear. You hardly make two more steps before another snag catches your top. When you look up, you see Corey and Vasudha are putting distance between you. If you try to catch up, your new swimsuit could be ripped to shreds. You look to your right and see a more open path however - maybe that's where the actual trail is. "Hey guys? I think we missed the trail?" they're too far away and can't hear you over their trailblazing.
Maybe you can catch up to them faster using what looks like the real trail.
